#INDIA: Gov't Dodging Questions About Religious Citizenship Bill's Future

[world politics news]

Media in India recently noted an incident in parliament in which a question from a member to the government about its citizenship reform bill received a vague answer.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, in this year's election, said it would reintroduce the Citizenship Amendment Bill in this parliament if it was returned to power. Instead, a response by Minister of State Nityanand Rai simply noted the history of the bill and noted that it died in the last parliament, after being passed in the lower house on Jan. 1.

The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist and Parsi citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have been discriminated on grounds of religion. Under current law, the Citizenship Act, 1955, there's no provision for granting Indian citizenship on the basis of religion. The bill is controversial in northeastern India, where it was argued that it violated a treaty that restricted immigration from Bangladesh.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#INDONESIA: President Seeks Islamist Votes; Meanwhile, Attacks On Christian Burial Sites Rise

[world politics news]

Police are investigating the desecration of 11 Christian tombs that were desecrated at a public cemetery in Giriloyo, in a perceived attack against Christians. The graveyard had wooden crosses removed from burial stones, and burial stones were smashed with a hammer, destroying parts of the burial site.

This is one of several incidents signaling deeper divisions between Indonesian Christians and the country's President, Joko Widodo, who is running for re-election next April against Islamist political parties who have accused him of not being a “good Muslim.” Fears of a worldwide crackdown against Christianity are rising.

 [FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#KENYA: Legislation Would Force Pastors To Register, Impose Standards

[world politics news]

Stung by the rise of the "prosperity Gospel" in Kenya, the attorney general has proposed legislation to impose standards on clergy. The move is opposed by the nation's leading evangelical and Muslim organizations. All preachers have to undergo theological training at a reputable seminary, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission will have to certify that clergy are not corrupt and foreign pastors will need a work permit, and a recommendation from their government if the law passes.

#RUSSIA: 2007 Anti-Extremist Legislation Being Used To Prosecute Minority Religions

[world politics news]

Courts in smaller Russian municipalities and villages are using anti-terrorist and anti-extremist legislation to prosecute - some say "persecute" - minority religions, such as 16 Jehovah's Witnesses who face trial in Taganrog, Russia.

#BURUNDI: Gov't Expels Belgians As Political Violence Escalates; Church Attacked

[world politics news]

The day after Belgium suggested its "non-essential" citizens should leave Burundi, the Burundian government said ALL of them should leave. Unrest began in April when Pres. Pierre Nkurunziza said he'd seek a third term. Burundi says Belgium, its former colonial power, has links to opposition groups.

Related: Burundian police shoot up a church, and have arrested a minister who has spoken out against violence.